This instrument is needed for the rapid screening of designed peptide and protein-based inhibitors of protein-protein and protein-nucleotide interactions. The instrument enables the screening of peptide libraries in complex mixtures, while providing binding affinity and binding kinetics data, which is critical for the identification of lead compounds in drug development. Detection of analytes on biosensor surfaces by biolayer interferometry is a patented technology, not available in any other product or by any other vendor.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for performing sponsored research and other sponsored activities under grants and contracts funded by the sponsor or by sources other than State appropriations. (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)) This equipment procurement will be significantly used to obtain high quality screenings for research and drug development. The preliminary data will be valuable for research findings necessary to apply for grants and contracts from NIH and other private sponsors. The University highly encourages and supports faculty in their research and development initiatives.